Reflector Patents (Class 362/341)
  • Patent number: 6390638
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a flat panel display. The illuminating device has a flat light guide with light input edges and a light output surface, and light sources disposed at the light input edges. A layer of expanded PTFE is wrapped closely around the light sources, conforming to their exterior surface, and is spread across a back surface of the flat light guide. Reflector film layers (white and metallized) are wrapped over the layer of expanded PTFE. Preferably copper tape is then layered over the reflector film layers. Light is emitted from the light output surface when the light sources are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: IDE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Miller, Kim Holcomb, Bruce L. Davies
  • Patent number: 6382816
    Abstract: A reflector lamp has a generally parabolic shaped housing (12) with an interior surface coated with a layer (14) of silver having a protective layer (16) of a stable protective oxide, such as silica, disposed thereon. An intermediate layer (18), such as a layer of elemental silicon, protects the silver layer during deposition of the silica layer and is completely or substantially consumed during formation of the silica layer. The lamp includes a light source (48) having a longitudinal axis (x) disposed on the parabolic reflector axis and preferably disposed outward of the parabolic focus (F). During lamp fabrication, the protective coating is preferably annealed to improve reflectance. The preferred lamp will have a lumens per watt greater than 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: General Eectric Company
    Inventors: Tianji Zhao, Rajasingh Schwartz Israel, Frederick Walter Dynys, Thomas Gene Parham
  • Patent number: 6367950
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp fixture is disclosed in which a truncated bowl-shaped reflector 6 is formed as a single unit in front of each respective LED 5. Each reflector is formed from a transparent substance and has an aperture in the front surface. Each reflector also has a reflective surface 6b that totally reflects light from the LED 5 and a light conductive member 6c that conducts at least a portion of light reflected by the reflective surface toward the front of the light fixture. A transparent front lens can thereby be used that does not include light-distributing facets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yamada, Kenji Mitani, Masaki Umemoto
  • Publication number: 20020030996
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface-emitting backlight is provided with the steps of forming a lead frame and resin-made molded case by insert molding, attaching light sources, which are red, blue and green LED dies, to contacts of the lead frame provided in a hollow space of the molded case, forming a light guide section by filling the hollow space with a transparent or semitransparent resin, and thereafter attaching a reflector sheet, and lens sheets (or diffuser sheets) in accordance with the applications of the backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: RYODEN TRADING COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Yasufumi Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20020024815
    Abstract: The luminaire has a lamp housing (1) in which lamps L1, L2 of different color aspect can be accommodated, surrounded by a reflector (11) and a non-transparent, light-transmitting window (10). The window (10) gives access to a reflector housing (3) which is provided with means (31, 32; 33) for screening and directing light. In the lamp housing, light of different color or color temperature is efficiently and effectively mixed. The luminaire may have a compact shape and is suitable for illuminating rooms efficiently with light of a chosen color aspect through dimming of the lamps in relation to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Ludovicus Johannes Lambertus Haenen, Franciscus Guillaume Peter Sools
  • Patent number: 6332695
    Abstract: A light fixture having an adjustable reflector is supported on a deployment bar. An actuation screw passes through the deployment bar and engages a threaded stud. Threading the actuation screw into and out of the threaded stud bends the deployment bar, which in turn pushes against the reflector adjusting the angle of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Publication number: 20010053080
    Abstract: The electric lamp/reflector unit has a molded reflector body (1) comprising a hollow neck-shaped portion (5). An electric lamp (10) having a lamp vessel (11), having a space (12) in which an electric element (13) is arranged, and provided with a first (14) and a second, opposed end portion (15) is fixed with its first end portion (14) within the neck-shaped portion (5). The molded reflector body (1) is made of a temperature shock resistant glass-ceramic material and offers the advantages that the reflector body (1) is better resistant to a possible explosion of the lamp (10) and that an improved positioning of the electric element (13) in the reflector body (1) is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Leo Frans Maria Ooms, Marcus Petrus Anna Jozef Van Opstal
  • Patent number: 6323601
    Abstract: A reflector for use in an ultraviolet or other type of lamp system having a plasma bulb. The reflector includes one or more longitudinally extending reflector panels having a characteristic shape that advantageously reflects ultraviolet radiation emanating from the bulb to provide a uniform irradiance over a relatively large surface area of a substrate. A substantial portion of each reflector panel has a characteristic shape described by the equation (x/a)(2+n)+(y/b)(2+m)=1, where a and b are constants and n and m are exponents that range between 0 and 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Klein, James W. Schmitkons
  • Publication number: 20010040808
    Abstract: The luminaire has a molded reflector body (1) comprising a reflective coating (3) with light reflective particles (10) and a binder (11) and having a substrate side (12) and an outer surface (13). The coating (3) has a smooth optical waveguiding surface due to the absence of particles (10) at its outer surface (13) and to the light-transmission properties of the binder (11). Owing to these properties, the coating (3) has a high degree of specular reflection, thereby both increasing the lumen output ratio and improving the light directional properties of the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Franciscus Guillaume Peter Sools, Jean Paul Entrop
  • Publication number: 20010040809
    Abstract: The luminaire has a molded reflector body (1) comprising a reflective coating (3) with light reflective particles (10) and a binder (11) and having a substrate side (12) and an outer surface (13). The coating (3) has a smooth optical waveguiding surface due to the absence of particles (10) at its outer surface (13) and to the light-transmission properties of the binder (11). Owing to these properties, the coating (3) has a high degree of specular reflection, thereby both increasing the lumen output ratio and improving the light directional properties of the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Franciscus Guillaume Peter Sools, Jean Paul Entrop
  • Publication number: 20010030867
    Abstract: An operating-room lighting device with an inner lighting unit that includes at least one discharge lamp and an inner reflector in a housing. The lighting unit is at least partially enclosed by an outer annular housing with an annularly or polygonally designed reflector for convergent deviation of light emitted by the lighting unit into an illumination field. The outer reflector includes, on its side facing the inner lighting unit, a closed transparent surface whose back adjoins a reflective layer. The reflective layer is applied to the back of the transparent surface. The inner lighting unit and the outer reflector are held together by a connecting member, which is articulated to a curved intermediate piece for attachment to a stationary support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Heraeus Med GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Gampe, Jorg Eduard Hartge, Rudolf Marka
  • Publication number: 20010021110
    Abstract: A reflector having a laminate with a light-transmissive substrate and light-transmissive retroreflective sheet is disclosed. The light-transmissive retroreflective sheet is attached to the substrate to cover the surface of the substrate. The reflector has light transmission properties as a whole, characterized in that, a plurality of depressions are formed on the backside of the substrate. A plurality of projections are formed on a reflection surface of the retroreflective sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Naoki Nakayama, Kanya Mizufune
  • Patent number: 6264342
    Abstract: To achieve the object to improve an illuminating device to the effect that such a device can be produced and/or installed with a low economic outlay, can be adjusted easily, is variable with regard to the place of use, and is dependable overall, the illuminating device is improved by virtue of the fact that the at least one light source, the at least one deflecting reflector and (lacuna) at least one reflecting surface are connected to one another to form an assembly to be positioned in an appropiate position relative to surface to be illuminated, and control means for switching and dimming said at least one light source are provided including at least one dimmer switch to be positioned near an operator position independently from said assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: VH Lichttechnische Spezialgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich von Hagen
  • Patent number: 6254257
    Abstract: A reflector for a light fixture having elongated light elements, wherein the light fixture opens at the ceiling surface and is recessed thereabove, includes a generally cylindrical bottom section defining a circular opening. A substantially enclosed top section defines a generally rectangular, corrugated top surface and a side portion tapering inwardly from the bottom section to the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Progress Lighting
    Inventor: Philip Sieczkowski
  • Patent number: 6168296
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain a lighting unit for reading marks which makes it possible with accuracy to read a mark carved on a surface of a base whose surface is specular finished. A lighting unit for reading marks in accordance with the invention comprises two light sources 51 and 52 and a light parallel means 6 which makes rays of light emitted from each of the light sources 51 and 52 parallel or generally parallel respectively. Each of the rays of light emitted from the light sources 51 and 52 are made parallel respectively by the light parallel means 6 and irradiated on two areas 18 and 19 of the base 3 and the two areas 18 and 9 face each other across the mark 4 carved on the base 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: CCS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yoneda
  • Patent number: 6158879
    Abstract: The intensity of an infra-red light source has substantially increased uniformity over an illuminated area. A reflector of specific size and shape reflects and focuses infra-red light emissions over a given area. Increased uniformity of intensity permits greater clarity in a given field of vision, particularly in a far field of vision. Greater uniformity allows surveillance systems, such as those using closed circuit television, to receive high quality images throughout a field of view. Images received from a far field of view are particularly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Derwent Systems Limited
    Inventor: Elvin Brent Midgley
  • Patent number: 6146002
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a metallized reflector containing an UV-curable basecoat, as well as the basecoat composition itself and a basecoat concentrate composition. The reflector comprises a reflector body formed of a solid matrix having a surface area on which to form a reflective coating and having at least one aperture defined in the surface area for receiving a lamp bulb. An UV-cured basecoat that comprises a cured urethane-free composition of a polyacrylate monomer and a reactive acrylic oligomer is adhered to that surface area. A metal film is adhered to said basecoat to form a reflector surface that is over-coated with a clear, protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Pearl Paints North America
    Inventors: Vince Danapilis, Horace R. Cross
  • Patent number: 6123436
    Abstract: A deconcentrating optic has an input aperture positioned near a point of minimum focus of a reflector, and has an output aperture which is larger than the input aperture. An inner surface connects the two apertures of the optic. The surface is reflective to visible light, and is shaped to decrease the angles of incident light rays from the reflector so that an emerging light beam is bounded by a cone the angle of which is less than or equal to the acceptance cone of a projection lens. The size and shape of the output beam is such that the object lying in the projection plane of the lens is fully illuminated but not overfilled. The inner surface of the reflecting optic may be selectively perturbed so that the object plane of the projection lens is uniformly illuminated. The general shape of the reflecting optic's inner surface may be parabolic, elliptical, hyperbolic, circular, conical, or combinations of these shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hough, James M. Bornhorst
  • Patent number: 6116759
    Abstract: A armored light fixture which comprises an armored housing which defines an upper passageway through which light may pass, at least one lamp disposed within the armored housing, at least one reflector structure which is adjustable in position and which is disposed above the armored housing to enable the adjustable reflection of light which passes through the upper passageway of the armored housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Scientific Operating Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6092909
    Abstract: A road marking unit (1) according to the invention comprises a house (10) with a light transmissive window (20). In the house (10) is arranged an electro-optic switch (30). In an activated state of the road marking unit (1) the electro-optic switch (30) achieves that light is reflected from the window (20) back to the window (20). In a de-activated state of the road marking unit (1) the electro-optic switch (30) achieves that light from the window (20) is absorbed. The road marking unit (1) of the invention has the advantage that it can also in bright environmental light it can be switched between visible and invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Franciscus G. P. Sools, Alexander V. Henzen, Reinder Smid
  • Patent number: 6083607
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a triangular-pyramidal cube-corner retroreflective sheet constituted with triangular-pyramidal cube-corner retroreflective elements useful for signs including traffic signs and construction work signs, license plates of automobiles and motorcycles, safety materials of clothing and life preservers, markings of signboards, and reflectors of visible-light, laser-beam, and infrared-ray reflective sensors, in which a lateral face (c) using one of the base edge (x) of triangular-pyramidal reflective elements arranged in a close-packed state on a base plane (X-X') and facing each other by sharing the base edge (x) on the base plane (X-X') as one side is pentagonal, other faces (a, b) sharing one of ridge lines starting with apex (H) of the triangular-pyramidal reflective elements are quadrangular, and the height (h) from the apex (H) up to the base plane (X-X') is substantially larger than the height (h') from the apex (H) up to a substantially horizontal plane (virtual plane Z-Z') i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Mimura, Keiji Adachi
  • Patent number: 6076945
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle incorporating a composite reflector in which the composite reflector includes a pair of right and left reflectors. The right and left reflectors can be disposed close together or overlapped with each other as seen from a front view of the headlamp. An extension can be placed in a hollow portion between the right and left reflectors and connected to the right and left reflectors by a connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Matsubara, Kazuhito Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6015610
    Abstract: The present invention provides and employs a very thin yet highly light reflective material for use in providing diffuse reflectivity of light, especially in tightly confined applications such as in laptop computer displays. The present invention uses an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils combined with a coating or filler of material having a high index of refraction, such as titanium dioxide. The material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible and infrared light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in thin, highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at very thin cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond B. Minor, Gordon L. McGregor, Huey Shen Wu, Daniel J. Lash
  • Patent number: 5976686
    Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Kaytor, Kenneth A. Epstein, John C. Harvey, Stephen J. Pojar, Neal T. Strand, Clinton P. Waller, Jr., William A. Hibbard, David R. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 5961205
    Abstract: A light canister may be removably mounted either on protruding and typically exterior building corners, or flat walls. A vertical groove accommodates the corner, support brackets and hooks inside the groove to engage the support bracket. The bracket has two corner contact plates connected by a protruding connection forming a space between the wall and itself when the bracket is attached. The hooks are dimensioned to fit snugly within the space and are conveniently V shaped. Spring clips on the canister can engage vertical cylindrical bars fitted to a flat wall, or vice versa. A builtin electrical plug directly engages a wall mounted plug. Triple internal reflectors, two adjustable allow the light to be directed at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Allan R. Lovell
  • Patent number: 5921666
    Abstract: A recessed ceiling light fixture is provided that includes a reflector with multiple ellipsoidal segments. Each ellipsoidal segment reflects light through a common focal point or area. Reflecting the light of each ellipsoidal segment through a common focal point or area, only a very narrow aperture is required. Further, improved light distribution and improved space to mounting height ratios are also provided by using a reflector with multiple ellipsoidal segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas Lighting
    Inventors: George V. Preston, David S. Dean, L. Kevin Tillotson
  • Patent number: 5917665
    Abstract: A reflecting mirror for an automotive lamp includes an opening edge, and a first portion. A thickness of at least a portion of the opening edge is greater than a thickness of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sinya Tonooka
  • Patent number: 5905594
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved reflector for use in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) luminaire and a luminaire incorporating such a reflector. The present invention achieves significantly improved light output from a CFL by employing a reflector of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Not only is light output improved over presently employed CFL luminaire reflectors, providing more light and/or allowing for less energy usage, but the luminaire of the present invention also produces a more pleasing light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. McGregor, Raymond B. Minor, Gregory E. Hannon
  • Patent number: 5903090
    Abstract: A gas discharge lamp has an elongated discharge path in fluid communication with a gas reservoir bounded by reflective sidewalls. The reflective sidewalls provide light directionality as well as major boundaries for a substantial volume of discharge gas while the discharge path provides a tightly focused light source. The substantial volume of discharge gas provided by the reservoir significantly increases lamp life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Helmut Haag
  • Patent number: 5865530
    Abstract: A method of molding resin having substantial amounts of fiber and mineral fillers that provides, without the necessity of a base coat a metallizable surface of reflector quality possible. The method is useful for making a vehicle lamp reflector with a substantially organic skin over a substantially inorganic core. The organic skin may be metallized without using a base coat. The reflector may even be molded to give a surface gloss sufficient to be metallized without a base coat, and still meet the optical and durability requirements necessary for a vehicle headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania
    Inventor: Brett W. Weber
  • Patent number: 5838406
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse reflectivity of light in backlighted visual displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCD) employed in a wide variety of applications. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. McGregor, Raymond B. Minor, Gregory E. Hannon
  • Patent number: 5832151
    Abstract: An optical pipe illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a number of output "light pipes", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the cores of the output pipes. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Remote Source Lighting International, Inc
    Inventors: Andrew P. Riser, Richard E. Albrecht, David H. Liu, Nguyen V. To
  • Patent number: 5821681
    Abstract: Low voltage discharge lamp assembly which has a plug-in base and, in some embodiments, includes a power supply as an integral part of the assembly. The electrode leads pass through a base cap to form contact pins for engagement with a socket. By controlling the orientation of the pins relative to the electrodes and discharge path within the lamp, the lamp is easily removed and replaced without disturbing the direction and focusing of the light it produces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Wedgewood Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Wynn
  • Patent number: 5781342
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse transflectance of light. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity and transmission of light across a wide spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse transflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Hannon, Gordon L. McGregor, Raymond B. Minor
  • Patent number: 5743634
    Abstract: In brief, the objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a reflector for an ornamental luminaire. The reflector includes a member formed of a metal material, the metal member having a predetermined thickness and being perforated with spaced apart apertures of a selected diameter and selected density. The metal member has a predefined reflector shape with the spaced apart apertures and the predefined reflector shape arranged to provide control of both an upper illumination distribution and a lower illumination distribution. The reflector metal member includes a plurality of positioning portions arranged for press-fit engagement within the ornamental luminaire. A hydroforming technique is used to form the metal member into the predefined reflector shape. The reflector is trimmed via a stamping process to a desired diameter and to provide the plurality of positioning portions in a precompression state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lexalite International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Joel E. Robinson, Robert D. Towne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5698936
    Abstract: The electric reflector lamp has a light source in an envelope with a seal. The seal has a projection against which a plate rests, the plate having a side which faces the light source. The seal is secured in the neck of a reflector body by means of cement which is present at a side of the plate which faces away from the light source. Thereby, an open passage to the beam-shaping portion of the reflector body exists allowing volatile substances released by the cement to escape when the reflector body is closed by means of a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Leo G. J. E. Marien, Franciscus H. Van Lierop
  • Patent number: 5682448
    Abstract: A light guide illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a number of output "light guides", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the cores of the output light guides. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Remote Source Lighting International
    Inventors: Andrew P. Riser, Richard E. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5669708
    Abstract: An optical element for X-ray reflection according to the present invention is provided with a number of fine convex surfaces or concave surfaces regularly arranged on a substrate. Multilayer films reflecting X-rays are formed over the convex surfaces or concave surfaces. The convex surfaces or concave surfaces have such a shape that when X-rays enter each concave surface or convex surface, they are reflected with a certain diverging angle by the multilayer films and as a result that a plurality of secondary X-ray sources having the diverging angle are formed on a same plane located a certain distance apart from the concave surfaces or convex surfaces. By this, a number of secondary X-ray sources are formed to enable uniform irradiation of X-rays in a wide region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoto Mashima, Takashi Mori, Osamu Tanitsu
  • Patent number: 5661828
    Abstract: A hollow light guide illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a hollow light guide, which is used for a variety of purposes, such as tunnels, hallways, and large rooms where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the core of the hollow light guide. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Remote Source Lighting International
    Inventors: Andrew P. Riser, Richard A. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5655832
    Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system, comprising at least two light-emitting sources, each emitting different frequency light; an optical cavity receiving light output from the sources, to mix therein, and act as a secondary emitter; a light receiver positioned to be illuminated by light from the secondary emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: TIR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Pelka, William A. Parkyn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5641225
    Abstract: A thin illumination device providing uniform luminance distribution on the diffusing plate comprising a reflecting plate, linear light sources arranged in the vicinity of the reflecting plate and a diffusing plate arranged on the opposite side of the reflecting plate with regard to the light sources, section of the reflecting plate having a shape of continuous curves having different curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Katoh, Nobuhisa Noguchi, Teruo Hoshi
  • Patent number: 5596450
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse reflectivity of light. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible and infrared light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Hannon, Gordon L. McGregor, Raymond B. Minor
  • Patent number: 5584573
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is produced so that it has a light source emitting light rays, a reflector which forms by reflection from the light rays emitted by the light source a light beam which is dispersed in horizontal planes and extends substantially parallel in vertical planes. The reflector has an optical axis, the light source is arranged so that its longitudinal axis extends parallel to the optical axis of the reflector. The reflector has an apex region which is formed so that the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the apex region as light rays converging in horizontal longitudinal planes which produce great images of the light source in lateral edge regions of a measuring screen arranged in front of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes-Gerhard Bertling, Henning Hogrefe, Rainer Neumann
  • Patent number: 5508902
    Abstract: First and second parts of a metal reflector of a light fixture are interconnected by tab-and-slot arrangements. The first part has hook-shaped tabs and an abutment tab projecting from an edge thereof. The second part has slots for receiving respective tabs. When the parts are converged in a first direction to cause the hook-shaped tabs to enter their respective slots, the abutment tab is offset from its respective slot, whereupon the abutment tab elastically deforms the second part such that the abutment tab and second part are biased toward one another while the deformation exists. When the parts are subsequently moved in a second direction (perpendicular to the first direction) to cause the hook-shaped projections to move within their slots and capture the second part, the abutment tab becomes aligned with, and enters, its slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 5508587
    Abstract: An incandescent lamp includes a base, a first stiff lead-in wire and a second stiff lead-in wire, a connector, a filament and a non-opaque tubular envelope. The base is formed out of a non-conductive material. The first and second stiff lead-in wires, respectively, extend from the base. The connector is electrically coupled to the first and second stiff lead-in wires and mechanically coupled to the base. The filament has a first end and a second end which are electrically coupled to the first and second lead-in wires, respectively. The filament is formed out of a conductive wire in the shape which provides a radiation area which is similar to the illumination area of the bundle of optical fibers so that the radiation fills the illumination area within the geometric boundaries imposed. The non-opaque tubular envelope has an open end and a closed end and is mechanically coupled to the base at the open end. The base press-seals the non-opaque tubular envelope to form an enclosed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: Ronald R. Williams, Jay E. Philippbar
  • Patent number: 5506763
    Abstract: The incandescent bulb and reflector system, and method of making, of the present invention includes a small incandescent lamp which is incorporated into one of several embodiments of a reflector base. In a first embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a single piece, in a second embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed and overlying reflector, in a third embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed and overlying reflector having an extended axial length land, and in a fourth embodiment, the reflector base is formed as a base with a separately formed reflector which fits within the base. The method of making involves the automated processing of a length of bar stock material, and the subsequent assembly of the component parts to form a lamp system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis J. Carley
  • Patent number: 5493483
    Abstract: Described are preferred UV curable coating compositions which are suitable for use as basecoats in the production of lamp reflectors. Also described are reflector devices and methods for making them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Red Spot Paint & Varnish Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Randall T. Lake
  • Patent number: 5486984
    Abstract: A fiber optic light guide luminaire includes an elongated fiber optic light guide having a first end accepting light from a remote source of illumination and a second end emitting light on an optical axis disposed coaxially near the focus of a paraboloidal reflector. The paraboloidal reflector has a first end wherein the light guide is disposed and a second open end emitting light from the fiber optic light guide. The second end of the light guide extends into the first end of the reflector towards the second end of the reflector and past the focus of the paraboloid at a distance approximately equal to the diameter of the light guide, whereat the diameter of the second end of the light guide intersects the paraboloidal surface of the reflector at an angle of approximately 20.degree. to the optical axis. In a preferred embodiment the exterior of the luminaire is generally cylindrical and externally threaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Jack V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5481408
    Abstract: The distance between the base point of the light source and the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror is preset. Then the distance between the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror and the start point of the object being illumined is set. The ray of light striking the entire object is determined by the fourth straight line. As the fourth straight line is progressively moved, the third straight line is also progressively moved from the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror to describe the locus of the curvature of the virtual reflection mirror. This locus is obtained as the light distribution data for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Equestrian Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mizuho Shimada
  • Patent number: 5446638
    Abstract: A reflector molded of a synthetic resin for a lighting device mounted on a vehicle is provided, wherein a slit is transversely formed directly below a joint line defined by a reflective surface and an upper flat surface of the reflector with an optical axis as a center in order to minimize or eliminate the undesirable thermal deformation of the reflector when a light source is continuously turned on for a time longer than a predetermined one. Usually, the extent of transverse extension of the slit is determined with the optical axis of the reflector as a center depending on a quantity of electricity consumed by the light source, a distance between the light source and the upper flat surface and an area of the upper flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makio Matsuzaki, Shigeru Furuya